Happy Coulthard Targets Podium Finish

Scot David Coulthard is looking to score his second consecutive podium finish following a strong performance in today's qualifying at the Suzuka circuit.

The McLaren driver, who finished in third place at Indianapolis two weeks ago, continued to show the Woking-based outfit's improving form by setting the third quickest time of the day behind the dominant Ferraris of Michael Schumacher and Rubens Barrichello.

"I'm happy with my performance, the car and our positions on the second row," said Coulthard. "We have improved our qualifying performance throughout the season. On my second run things were going well, but I had to abandon it due to Allan (McNish)'s accident, and I'm pleased that he was unhurt.

"After the long break I went out on used tyres to assess the track conditions. I could have improved further on my last stint, but I had a little understeer in the first sector. I'm optimistic for the race and am aiming for a podium finish."

Coulthard's teammate Kimi Raikkonen was unable to repeat yesterday's feat and had to settle for fourth place right behind the Scot. The Finn had topped the times on Friday, but today he finished nearly a second behind the pace-setting Ferrari.

"I ran wide at the first corner during my last run but was still able to improve my time to move up a couple of positions," Raikkonen said. "The red flag didn't really affect me as I had already abandoned my flying lap, because I made a mistake in the first sector.

"The car was working well throughout the session. At some point the team suspected a small problem with the pneumatics and as a precaution prepared the T-car for me. However in the end there was no need, and I look forward to an exciting finish to the 2002 season tomorrow."